Clarkson is an institution that encourages people to make things from their ideas

- real things that add value to people's lives and create true wealth for society. It may sound overly simplistic, but the research emanating from our laboratories and the collective ingenuity of our faculty, students and alumni who know how to make something represents exactly what the American economy needs right now in order to regain jobs and deliver newfound technological advances to the marketplace.

The examples in the 2009 President's Report demonstrate how we are at the forefront in developing green building materials; using cyber technology to create more robust security applications; inventing groundbreaking sensors to monitor major waterways; bringing to market energy-efficient solutions for industry; and creating safer living environments, working conditions and recreational activities.

Clarkson students, faculty and alumni can build on a rich history to create a great future - we expect to "make things" locally, regionally, nationally and internationally. Not only do Clarkson people have the skills, experience and resolve to make a difference - they also possess the attitude that insists on aggressively pushing forward.

Collectively as a nation, we need to do everything we can to ensure that every high school student who wants to "make something" can acquire a college education through their own hard work and access to appropriate financial resources. With your support, we can make this happen together.